First record and range extension of the Cocos batfish, Ogcocephalus porrectus Garman 1899 (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae), off the continental Pacific coast of Costa Rica
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/0bw9vy85Keywords:
Eastern Tropical Pacific; insular–continental connectivity; biogeography; larval dispersal; ichthyofaunal inventories.Abstract
Introduction: To date, two species of batfishes of the genus Ogcocephalus have been documented in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Ogcocephalus porrectus, originally described from Isla del Coco, Costa Rica, has been regarded as restricted to waters around Isla del Coco and Isla de Malpelo (Colombia).
Objectives: To report and describe the first record of O. porrectus from the Pacific coast of continental Costa Rica, thereby extending its known distribution range.
Methods: The specimen supporting this new record was collected with a bottom trawl net off the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica, at 67 m depth. It was deposited in the Ichthyological Collection of the Museo de Zoología, Universidad de Costa Rica, under the catalog number UCR 3368-001. Morphometric and meristic data of the specimen were recorded following standard procedures. Additional material of O. porrectus and O. darwinii was examined for comparison.
Results: Morphological and coloration traits of the specimen were consistent with with previous descriptions of O. porrectus, confirming its identification.
Conclusions: This record parallels the recent continental occurrence of O. darwini in Ecuador, since both species were previously considered insular. Such a finding highlights the role of larval dispersal and sampling gaps on perceived distribution patterns of batfishes. It also underscores the need for continued ichthyological surveys to document faunal linkages and to anticipate potential responses of marine biodiversity to environmental change in the Eastern Pacific.
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